How Hurricanes Are Affecting Texas & Florida Manufacturing
Two of the costliest Hurricanes in U.S. History, Harvey and Irma, have decimated Southern Texas and Florida in the last two weeks. The total cost of the damage is still being calculated, but economist Michael Montgomery of HIS Markit is reporting that August and September output data will be affected by Hurricane Harvey. “Supply disruptions will rock oil refining that accounted for 3 percent of industrial production last year, and the chemical industry, responsible for 12.4% of industrial production in 2016, Montgomery said Friday.”[1] This article will briefly explore how hurricanes are affecting manufacturing around the United States.
Hurricanes Wreak Havoc on Supply Chains and Infrastructure
The U.S. Gulf Coast is home to many oil production and refineries that create base plastics for various industries. The disruption due to Hurricane Harvey is a major hit to supply chains nationwide, and manufacturers are struggling to find new short-term suppliers.
“If we get into the middle of September and we’re not back up and running and producing various plastics, even at some minimal sustainable rate, you’re going to start being concerned about the overall supply chain,” said Mark Eramo, Vice President of Global Chemical Business Development at IHS Markit.[2]
After Harvey, Hurricane Irma was quick to follow. Irma demolished the Florida Keys, took out power for half of all customers in the state, and brought storm surges to the southern and western sides of the state that wiped out beachfront communities and crippled shipping ports. Florida is home to over 19,000 manufacturers employing more than 331,000 workers, many of whom may temporarily be out of a job.[3] Initial estimates for the damage caused by Irma were between 150-200 billion, but have been reduced in recent days due to a change of course that caused the storm to mostly miss the most populated areas of the state, including Miami-Dade County. The total cost is still unknown.
Economic Impact
As noted earlier, many expect affected supply chains in the short term. This may cause delays in deliveries and production time and is cause for concern for economists who measure the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.
The hurricanes have destroyed or crippled many businesses and permanently damaged infrastructure, which will add stress to the local and national economies. Goldman Sachs analysts warn that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma could have a “sizable” impact on the U.S. Economy. The bank reduced its GDP growth projections by 0.8% to 2%.[4]
Rebuilding Effort
Due to a concentrated effort by State and Federal officials, Texas and Florida ports are already starting to open today, and many have had their power restored. “In the U.S., more than 50,000 utility workers from the U.S. and Canada are descending on Florida and other states hit by the storm, part of a long stream of trucks joining returning residents on highways with loads of water, generators, food, and construction materials.”[5] There have also been an incredible amount of donations and people flooding into the areas affected. The effect on manufacturing and the economy might be short-term, but local officials and residents will be cleaning up the mess made by these devastating hurricanes for months, if not years, to come.
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[1] US Manufacturing and Spending Seen Taking Short-Term Hit From Hurricane Harvey’s Impact
[2] Harvey has ‘paralyzed’ a critical part of US manufacturing supply chain
[3] Florida Manufacturing – Industry Overview
[4] Hurricane Irma Might Have a Sizable Impact on U.S. Economy, Goldman Sachs Warns
[5] Top Supply Chain and Logistics News From WSJ
